Vote “yes” to StudentsNS membership

This year’s ballot will include a referendum question regarding CBUSU becoming permanent members of Students Nova Scotia (StudentsNS), a non-profit advocacy group representing 20,000+ students across Nova Scotia. Through research and campaigns, they share student priorities with government, advocating for improvements to make education more accessible, affordable and high quality. CBUSU was a StudentsNS member from 2009-2015 and rejoined in 2022; this winter, students will vote on making membership permanent and ensuring the CBU student voice continues to be heard by decisionmakers.

A student-led organization, StudentsNS advocates for predictable tuition and fees, increased financial aid, expanded mental health resources, international student supports, student employment, and more. Their advocacy has led to millions of dollars of government investments, and more money directly into students’ pockets. This includes huge investments in financial assistance programs, $1 million annually for mental health and sexual violence prevention, and expansion of student and graduate employment programs.

In 2022, StudentsNS successfully advocated for the removal of the 31-day out-of-province restriction for Medical Services Insurance, increasing healthcare accessibility for international students. They also released a housing report with 22 recommendations for government and universities to support affordable, accessible, quality student housing. These recommendations will be central to Nova Scotia’s soon-to-be-released Student Housing Strategy.

This February, vote “yes” to StudentsNS membership ($5.99/full-time student, $3.57/part-time student) to ensure the CBU student voice continues to be heard by decisionmakers, and the issues facing CBU students remain front and center for student advocates for years to come.